Somewhere along the line, even as his strength has waned, it seems Kemp has gained perspective.

“I don't think some athletes understand how big it is to be an athlete, what they can do with just a simple gesture of shaking a kid's hand,” Kemp said. “It can make a fan's day. It can make a fan's life.”

Joshua said he was sorry he couldn't shake Kemp's hand, but his limbs are slowly going numb from the tumors. He said he wants to Kemp to know that he nonetheless felt truly touched.

“He's such a nice person,” Joshua said. “He really cares about his fans.”

Kemp shook his head. He said he's the one who has been touched.

“Sometimes I forget how much people look at you as their hero,” he said. “I forget that.”